Selena Gomez was named after the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. Her parents were fans of Selena Quintanilla, who was an influential figure in Latin music and had a significant impact on the music industry before her tragic death in 1995. Selena Gomez has often expressed her admiration for Selena Quintanilla and has mentioned that her name is a tribute to her legacy. Selena Gomez has also embraced her cultural heritage and has occasionally performed songs in Spanish, honoring her roots.